Method and apparatus for making igniter connections for detonators



I 2 9 April 26, 1927, J. M. OLIN ET AL 6 6118 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING IGNITER CONNECTIONS FOR DETONATORS Filed Dec. 50, 1922 3 Sheets$heet 1 (la/MM 01mg V/chrl. Dawlwdom 8. Swim;

m wr Aprll 26, 1927. J. M. OLIN ET AL 626118 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING IGNITER CONNECTIONS FOR DETONATQR'S Filed DGQ, 50. 1922 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 L F 3'? Z. -1

1927' J. M. OLIN E AL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING IGNITER CONNECTIONS FOR DETONATORS' Filed Dec. 30, 1922 '3 Sheets-Sheet accompanying drawings, in which:

Patented Apr. 26, 1927.

PATENT oEEicE.

JOHN M. OLIN, vrcroar. DAVIS, AND 101m a. sauna, or ALTON, rumors, AS- srenoas TO WESTERN CARTRIDGE company, or EAST ALTON, ILLINOIS, A coa- PORATION or DELAWARE.

METHOD AND arramrrus FOR MAKING IGNITER CONNECTIONS Eon. nnronarons.

, Application filed December 80, 1922. Serial N'o. 609,954.

This invention relates to detonators and more particularly to those of the electrically ignited type.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide improved processes and mechanism, whereby the detonators, and more particularly the igniter connections, may be made economically, with accuracy and in order to produce an article which'will be reliable and simple.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved detonator and more particular improved igniter connections therefor.

Further objects will appear from the detail description taken in connection With the Figure 1 is a detail perspective view, partly in section, illustrating the process for forming the plugs on the connections;

Figure 2 is a similar view still further illustrating this process;

Figure 3 is a similar view illustrating the process of trimming and stripping the detonator connection terminals;'

Figure 4 is a similar view illustrating the forming of the detonator connection terminals in order to receive the filament;

Figure 5 is a detail perspective view illustrating the attaching of the filament to the terminals and the plating of thisfilament and terminals;

Figure 6 is a similar view illustrating the coiling of the connections;

Figure 7 is a detail section illustrating the sealing of the detonator connection terminals in the shell;

Figure 8 is a section, somewhat enlarged, of the detonator;

Figure 9 is perspective View ln 11 which ma be of paper or any other suitthe complete package; Figure 10 is 'a side elevation showing themechanisms for forming the plugs on the detonator connections and for trimming and strippin the connections;

Figure 11 isa detail of the guiding r ollcrs as shown by section taken on line Figure 16 is a detail showing a series of plugs formed on the connections.

' Referring to the accompanying drawing and more particularly to Figures 7, 8. 9, the detonator, as shown, comprises a shell 1 which may be of drawn metal and has charge components 2 and 3 of any improved composition and arrangement, and the upper end of this shell is beaded as shown at 4. In this shell are arranged .the terminals 5 of the connections 6 which pass through a plug 7 formed on the connections and of a suitable composition, a satis-' factory one being a mixture of sulphur and graphite. The connections are insulated wires which are stripped from where they p ro]ect through the plug and these connections-are formed, as hereinafter described,

to receive the filament 8. This filament may be of any suitable resistance wire, a satisfactory one being of a composition of nickel, iron and copper. In order, how.- ever, to secure this filament to the terminals they are dipped in solder which also serves to coat or plate the filament as well as the connections, in order to protect them against deterioration when in the shell. The plug and its terminals are secured within the shell by additional plugs 9 and 10 of sulphur and pitch, which serve to seal and cap the shell and theterminals therein. These plug components are poured .into the shell as hereinafter described so as to flow around the connections, and it will be noted that the composition flows into the bead 4 so as to firmly secure and lock the parts together.

The connections 6 are coiled on a tube the construction, arrangement and forma-.

tion of the detonator and its connections,

we Willi proceed "with the i detail description of the several subprocesses and the mechanisms for-performing the same. A "Uaet'ing' the plug-n the connections Referring to Figures 1, 2', and 10:to 16-:

inclusive, designates aJnold body which has a series of mold cavities :16 therein, the

bottoms of which are formed by plungers or ejectors 17. The top of the mold body is closed by plates 18' and :19 and ablade 20; theplates 18 and 19 are arranged to eral mold cavities.

The I mold body is: supported by brackets. "23 on the top-24 ota frameEQS 'andjthe i plates -18-'and- .19- are pivoted at .26 on the mold bod and provided I ,iwitli: handles 2'2 to 'efiect' t eir manipulation. A headedstop 28' is mounted on the mold body andcooperateswith recesses on-the plates 18 and 19- in order to properly position the meeting faces of these plates medially of the line of mold cavities in the mold body. The. plungerslf ar'e mounted on across-head'29, move-- ing on, guides 30 extending i from the. mold ers' in depressed position with the parts 36 the mold cavities.

'35, which tends to-normally hold the plungoi the cross-head in engagement with the base 24,- in order to properly position the plungers in the mold cavities.

The plungers are each perforated to form guides 37' for the connections 6 below the mold cavities, while the plates 18 and the blade 20 are also recessed as shown at 88 to provide guides for these connections above The connections, therefore, pass through the mold cavities and are positioned therein by the guides, while the plunger 17 at the bottom and the plates 18 and 19 and the blade 20 at the top, definitely fix the volume of these molds. I

The connections 6 are arranged on suitable'reels 39 mounted on a frame 40 below the mold body andsuitably arranged on the frame, to supply pairs of connections to the mold cavities and the guides leading to and therefrom. In order to guide these connections, a pair "of'guiding rollers 41 are. provided which have formed therein annular recesses 42 providing guide-ways for pairs leaving :on the connections.

' of sets of connections.

means r from the brackets to. the connections;

I Theconnections, continuing pass through Y I 4 i the aws 45 and 46 of a clamp mounted on the table 24 and provided with clamping:

nuts 47. This serves to secure the connections 1n place. and against .sl1ir'ting. I

nections have been positioned :inthe mold cavitiesas shown in: Figures 1, 10 and .153,

permit; placement 1 of Assumlng that a series of 'pairsofconthe composition. ispoured- .into these cavitiesthrough the gateQl and: runncrsQ-Q so. i

as to flow intothesecavities and around the from the composition formediin the cavities...

thereon and joining-these connect ons, and smce-the plugis-formed inn.smooth'faced v -mold, it will have a smooth exterior- :well i This as a definite lengthand-diameter;

hanced by v preliminarilypressing on the been shiftedand: after: the composition has the plugs more accurately to shape;

ing of the plateslS and 19, the connections are shifted upwardly and along the table, past the rollers 43 v(the top one of which can be removed), past the clamp 45-46 (the top 46 of which, has been removed) and past the cutting and trimming mechanism shown to the left of the clamp 45-46. The length of the connection is thereby measured. The clamp 45-46 is now again closed, the rollers 43 replaced, the mold cavities closed and another set of plugs is formed on the connections. This procedure is continued so that a series of plugs are formed on a series Cutting and stripping the connections. 4

connections. -The. plate .19 and its attached i i i it :blade2Q-are then moved to the right, there:- byzcauslngth'e blade 20 tov shear :the :sprucs:

Upon 'still fuz-ther movementof'the, plate w 19 and also movement of'the plate 18 to the left, the mold: cavities are opened. By .7

then depressingthetr'eiadle 34 the plungers I '17iare'raisedsoastocject theplugs'? formed i I i Each pair, :of 'CQIlllQC- tions is. thus p'rovidcdwith a plug formed: f

smoothness elf-the :plugcan moreover be cn- I q I .treadle'34 before the'pla'tcs 18 a11d-19liai'e i body' and connected 'Wlth fi, lever 31, which. i has-an extension 32' connected'by a link with a tread-1e 34 and engaged by-a spring:

' Referring to Figures 3 and 10, mounted on the table 24 is a base '48'which' carries a stationary cutter 49, a gage 50 and a bracket 51 which has an opening at 52 to ened notches 54 on the cutter 49. The gage 50 has a series of recesses 58 adapted to receive the plugs 7 on the connections 6, while these connections are received by the notches in the cutter 49, and the blade 57 and the left face of the cutter 49 provides a stop for these plugs.

The connected blades 56 and 57 are arranged to be moved down to cooperate with the cutter 49, by a treadle 59 connected by a link 60 with the free ends of the connected blades, while these blades are returned by a spring 61 on the cutter 49. The connection .between the link and the connected blades is through the medium of a hook 62 so that these connected blades may be swung out of the way.

After the plugs v7 have been cast on the connections, these connections are strung through the opening 52 so as to position the plugs 7 in the notches 58 on the gage 50 and with the plugs against the cutter 49. The connections and the plugs thereon are at this time held between a clamping element 45 fixed on the base 48 and a cooperating 5 movable element 46. This will position the connections in the notches 54 of the cutter 49 and with the'right face of the plug a predetermined distance from the cutting edge 53. By now moving the connected cut- 36 ter blades 56 and 57 towards the cutter 49,

the blade 56 Will operate'to sever the connections a predetermined distance from the plugs. The cooperating edges of the cutter 49 and the blade, 57 will, however, simply cut through the insulation of the connections without cutting into the metallic conductors enclosed by the insulation. \Vhile the blade 57 is still held in depressed position the connections 6 are moved to the left, thereby stripping the insulation from the connections projecting beyond the plug, as'shown in Figure 4.

Formation of the terminals.

Referring to Figure 4,.63 is a block which is provided with a pair of passages 64 forming supporting guides for the terminals 5, and with a recess 65 forming a support for the plug 7 on the connections 6. The bot- 5 tom of the block is provided with a V- 0 as shown in Figure 6.

The filament attachiny and platiny.

Referring to Figure 5, 73 designates a solder pot,-which is provided with molten 5 solder, and on one side of this pot is supported a reel- 74 while on the other side are the stationary and movable parts 75 and 76,. respectively, of a combined cutter and clamp, whereby a strand of the filament wire 77 may be stretched across the pot and clamped on one side thereof.

Assuming the filament wire to be stretched over the solder and clamped as shown in Figure 5, the terminals 5 projecting from the plug 7 are placed in alined relation, with the notches in the terminals taking over the wire. The plug and terminals are now moved down, carryin the wire with them into the solder and tiereby not only causing the wire to be soldered to the terminals, but also coating the wire as well as the terminals with a plating of the solder. It will be understood, of course, that the terminals are first dipped in a suitable flux before immersion into the solder; the solder can be of any suitable composition, such as a lead tin alloy. After the wire has been soldered to the terminals, the plug and terminals are movedto the right, as the combined cutter and clamp 75-76 is opened, until the wire to the left of the terminals is in cooperation with the cutter and clamp. The latter is then closed, thereby cutting off the wire connected to the terminals and also clamping the wire in stretched condition across the solder pot.

- Coiling the connections.

Referring to Figure 6, 94 designates a mandrel which is adapted to receive the tube 11. This mandrel is slotted as shown at 95 to correspond with the slot 12 in the end of the tube. Fixed to the mandrel is a face-plate 96 which is recessed as shown at 97 to receive and cover the end of the tube.

In, the operation of winding the connections on the tube, the terminal end of the strand connected to the plug 7 is passed through the slots 12 and 95 in the tube and mandrel, thereby serving to connect the tube with the mandrel. Upon rotation of the mandrel, the connections are coiled on the tube and the free ends of the strands are then again passed through the slots 12 and 95. The whole can then be removed from the mandrel, and after the shell is attached, this shell can be inserted in the tube as shown in Figure 9, while the free ends of the connections can be wrapped around the coil. It will be noted that in view of the fact that the end of the tube has been covered by its insertion in the mandrel. the connections can be coiled close to the mandrel, at the same time leaving part of the tube uncovered, so as to present a neat package as well as preventing uncoiling of the connections.

Capping or sealing the shell. Referring to Figure 7, after the terminal in a suitable support 101, the top of the recess being preferably enlarged as shown at 105, so that the head 1 will strike against the shoulder formed at the bottom-:01 the enlargement. This base is also provided with a flange 106 over which the connections take in order to properly position the plug and its terminals within the shell.-' The base 104: may he provided with a table 107 on which the coiled connections can rest during the fillin operation.

The filing component may be in a pair of tanks, one of which is shown at 108 and is provided with a spout 109 and a measuring device 110 having pockets 11.1 for measshown).

uring predetermined quantities of the sealing component into the shell. It will he understood, of course, that the ta nk'is heated which may be accomplished in any-suitable manner, as by electrical heating coils (not After the shell has been scaled on the connections, this shell is inserted into the tube 11 as shown in Figure 9. A drip receiver 112 is provided which moves to positions below and clear of the spouts 109.

' Resum of operations.

The several operations may be briefly summarized as follows, referring to Figures 1 to 9 inclusive.

The connections are ositioned in the molds by the guides provided and the composition is poured into the mold cavities through the gate and runners provided. The

' sprues are then sheared off, the mold cavities opened and the plugs formed on the connections ejected therefrom. The connections are now drawn through the molds and the plugs placed'on the gages of the cutting and stripping mechanism, which will not only measure off the loose strands of the connections, but also properly position the plugs with respect to the cutters- The connections are then severed and the terminals stripped as shown in Figure 3. The terminals and plug are now placed in the forming mechanism, the punch of which operates to form alined V-shaped notches in the terminals a predetermined distance from the plug, the terminals being properly alined with reference to the forming tool, as shown in Figure' t- The terminal is now placed over the filament wire, which is stretched over the solder with one end of the filament .ponents are poured into the shell and around however, the operations are soperformed wire fastened to hold it stretched; by now movin down on the terminals, the notches of which take over the wire, the' wire as well as the terminals are dipped into the solder to not only fasten the filament wire to the terminals, but also to plate this filament and the terminals, as shown in Figure The connections are now coiled or spoolcd asshown in Figure 6, leaving the terminal ends as Well as the free ends of the connections securely fastened. The plug is now placed in the shell, being properly positioned therein as shown in Figure 7, and measured quantities of the sealing comthe connections to provide a seal and a lock. The shell secured and sealed on the connections is now inserted into the tube and the connections coiled thereon as shown in Figure 9.

It will, therefore, be seen that this invention accomplishesits objects. By the process and mechanism described the detonator can be made with a minimum of expense;

that each operation will effectively secure its objects and accurately prepare the subject matter for the succeeding operation. A detonator .is provided which is of improved construction and which is not subject to deteriorating while it is convenient for use as well as shipment.

It is obvious that various changes may be made in details without departing from the spirit of this invention; it is, therefore, to i be" understood that this invention is not to be limited to the specific details shown and described.

Having thus described is claimed is:

1, In the art of making detonators, the process comprising, casting a series of plugs at spaced points on an igniter connection.

2. In the art of making detonators, the process comprising, positioning the igniter 1 connection in a mold, and pouring the composition in the mold and around the connection in order to form a plug thereon.

3. In the art of making detonators, the process comprising, positioning the igniter connection in a mold, pouring the composition in the mold and around the connection, and shearing the sprue from the plug formed on the connection.

4;. In the art of making detonators, the 1 process comprising, positioning the igniter connection in a mold, pouring the composition in the mold and around the connection,

the invention, what and ejecting the plug formed on the con- 125 nection from the mold.

5. In the art of making detonators, the process comprising, ositioning the igniter connection in a mo]. pourin the com-po sition in the mold and aroun the connection, shearing the sprue from the plug formed 1 on the connection, and ejecting the plug from the mold.

6. In the art of making detonators, the

.process comprising, passing the igniter connection through a mold, and casting the composition in the mold and around the connection in order to form a plug thereon.

nection through a mold in stages and at each stage casting a plug 'on the connection, and ejecting the plug from the mold.

10 In the art of making detonator s,'the process comprising, passing the igniter'connection through a mold in stages and at each stage casting a plug on the connection, shearing the sprue from the plug and ejecting the plug from the mold.

11. In the art of making detonators, the

process comprising, positioning a series of .igniter connections 1n a mold, and simultaneously pouring the composition in the mold and around the connectlons 1n order to form plugs thereon.

12. In the art of making detonators, the

process comprising,.positioning a series of z .process COIIIPIISIIIO, connections, and F igniter connections in a mold, simultaneously pouring the composition in the mold and F around the connections. and shearing the sprue from the nections.

13. In the art of making detonators, the

process comprising. positioning a series of plugs formed on the conigniter connections in a mold, simultaneously pouring the composition in the mold and around the connections, and ejecting the plugs formed on the connections.

14. In the art of making detonators, the process comprising, positioning a series of igniter conections 1n a mold, simultaneously pouring the composition in the mold and around the connections, shearing the sprue from the'plugsformed on tl10.COIln8Ct-1OI1S,

. and e'ec ting the plugs.

15. n the art of making, detonators, the process comprising, passing a series of igniter connections through a mold in stages, and at each stage, simultaneously casting plugs on the connect-ions.

16. In the art of making detonators, the

process comprising, passing a series of igniter connections through a mold in stages, and at each stage, simultaneously casting plugs on the connections, and shearing the sprue from the plugs,

17. In the art of making detonators, the

process comprising, passing a series of igmterconnections through a mold in sta es, and at each stage, simultaneously casting plugs on the connections, and ejecting the plugs 18. In the art of making detonators, the process comprising, passin a series of igmter connections through a mold in stages, and at each stage, simultaneously castlng plugs on the connections, shearing the sprue from the plugs, and ejecting the plugs.

19. In the art of making detonators, the process comprising, forming a plug on the igniter connection, and cutting the connection adjacent the plug.

20. In the art of making detonators, the process comprising,- forming a series 0f plugs on and spaced along the i'gniterconnectlon, and cutting the connection adjacent the plugs 21. In the art of making detonators, the process comprising, forming a plug on the igniter connection. and stripping the connectlon adjacent the plug.

22. In the art of making detonators, the process comprising, forming a series of plugs on and spaced along the igniter connection, cutting the connection adjacent the plugs, and stripping the connection adjacent the plugs. 7

23. In the art of making detonators, the process comprising, forming a plug on the igniter connections, and forming the ends of the igniter connections.

24. In the art of making detonators, the stripping the igniter orming the ends of the lgmter connections.

25. In the art of making detonators, the process comprising, forming a plug on the igniter connections stripping the igniter connections adjacent the plug, and forming the ends of the igniter connections.

26. In the art of making detonators, the process comprising, forming a plug on the igmter connections. and attaching a filament to the terminals of the connections projecting through the plug.

27. In the art of making detonators, the process comprising, forming a plug on the igniter connections. stripping the connections adjacent the plug, and attaching a filament to the stripped terminals.

28. In the art of making detonators, the process comprising, forming a plug on the igniter connections. stripping the connections ad acent the plug, forming the stripped terminals, and attaching a filament to the formed terminals.

29. In the art of making detonators, the process comprising, forming a plug on the 1gniter connections, forming the terminals of the connections projecting through the minals.

' connections, and attaching a stripped ends.

"31. In the'artof connections,

' 30. In the art ef making detonators, the

process comprising, strippin the, igniter making detonators, the stripping the igniter process comprising the stripped ends, and

forming attaching'a filament to the'formed ends.

32.111 the art of making detonators, the process'comprising, forming the terminals of I the igniter conn'e'ctionaand attaching a fila' ment to the formed ends.

" z ""33. In the art of making detonators,

" t e projecting lug and its. attached terminals and filament process comprising, forming a plug on the i 'ter" connections, attaching a filament to. terminals, and inserting the lntothe shell.

34. In the art/of making detonators, the I forming; a plug on the process comprising, I I attaching a filament to 1 iter connections,

t e-projecting terminals inserting the plug and its attached termina s and filament into the shell, and sealin "the plug in the shell. I

35L'In the, art o making detonators, the 1 rocess comprisingiorming a plug on the, 1' 'iter' connections,'attaching a filament to t e projecting terminals, ends of the connections,

coiling the free:

" 36;Ijn a machine-of the class, described,

a mold havinga cavity, guides for position 111 said cavities,

I -ing the connection in said, cavity,

, hrough" which the :composition ispoured in order to form a plug on said connection, and

an element adapted to shear thfizplllg the-sprue. v v a 37. Infa machine of the class described, a

from

mold having a cavity, guides for positioning the connection in ear casting a' plug on said connection and an element for ejecting the plug from the mold.

38. In a machine of the class described, a mold havmg a series of mold cavities,

ides for positioning a series of connections? a gate through which the composition is poured in order to form plugs;

and inserting the .p1ugf and its attachedterminals and filaime'nt into the shell.

cavity, adapted for.

weenie r onisaid connections, and elements for eject;

'mgthe plugsfrom the mold. lament to the I 39. In a'machine-of the'class descrihed, a

'mold having a cavity, guidesfor positioning Q the'connection in said cavity, a gate through, WhlCll the composition is poured in order to form, a plug on said connection, an element adapted-to shear the plug' from the sprue, v and an element for ejecting the plug from,

the mold.

40.111 aimachine' of the class described, c a mold having a cavity, guides for position ing the connection in said cavity, adapted for, casting a plug on sald connection, and

tioning of another part of the connection therein. a

41. In a machine of the class described, a

mold having a ;cavity, guides for position ing. the connection in said cavity, a gate I I a h which the'compo'sltlon 1s poured?" in or er-to form a plug on said connect1on,- I

an element adapted to shear the plug from throu the sprue, and means adapted upon opening of the mold to permit removal of the plug-3 I 'andrepositioning of another part of the-con ,nection therein.

- ea. In a machine ing the connection: in said cavity, adapted a reel positioned the composition lS POllll'Qd inorder to form plugs onsaid connections, and a series of I of the class fdescrihei; a moldhaving a cavity, guides for position ineans adapted upon lo 'ning of'the mold to permit removal of t e plug and reposireels positioned beyond the mold and from Which-the connections pass to said guides.

"In testimony whereof we aiiix our s. ig-. natures this 28th day oi November, 1922.

JOHN M. GLEN. vicroa n DAVIS. JOHN B. SMITH. I 

